Latest news with #Classof1975
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
The Army Draws Strength from Diversity
NEXT WEEK, I'LL TRAVEL BACK to my alma mater, West Point. My class, the Class of 1975, serves as what is called the fifty-year affiliate class to the graduating Class of 2025. Our class has walked the last four years with this newest class of graduates, mentoring them, helping them face the rigors of cadet life, and offering advice as they prepare for their eventual commitment to our Army. It's a great program, and it will culminate on May 24 when several of us will hand the gold bars representing their achieved rank to all those new second lieutenants after they receive their diplomas. I've also been asked to administer the oath of office to several young cadets I've come to know over the past four years. It's always an honor to swear in new officers, to hear them pledge to 'support and defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic.' But this year, the moment carries a particular poignancy. Just days ago, I learned of the passing of Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Fred A. Gorden—a friend, a mentor, and a trailblazer whose legacy looms large within the Long Gray Line, though far too few know his name. To get the best coverage of politics, policy, and culture available anywhere, become a Bulwark+ member today. Maj. Gen. Gorden was a pioneer. He was the only black cadet to graduate in the Class of 1962, the first black commandant of cadets at West Point in the late 1980s, and commander of the 25th Infantry Division 'Tropic Lightning.' A soldier's soldier, he was revered by those who served under his command. In his quiet, dignified way, he embodied the best of what we strive to be as soldiers who wear the cloth of our country: disciplined, humble, and relentlessly competent, with an unwavering focus on character, people, and mission. But beyond all this, Maj. Gen. Gorden had a deep passion for telling the story of those who came before him—the Buffalo Soldiers of the 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments. His wife's relatives served in those units, and he wanted to ensure they were forever honored. The Buffalo Soldiers were the all-black cavalry units created after the Civil War, when the military was still segregated. According to the National Park Service, 'American Plains Indians who fought against these soldiers referred to the black cavalry troops as 'buffalo soldiers' because of their dark, curly hair, which resembled a buffalo's coat.' They were so renowned for their discipline, experience, and excellence that in 1907 a small number of soldiers from their regiment were assigned to train West Point cadets in equitation and tactics, a responsibility they held until 1947. These black soldiers trained generations of officers, including those who would lead American forces in both world wars—Hap Arnold, George Patton, Omar Bradley, Dwight Eisenhower, and Mark Clark, among many more. After his retirement, Maj. Gen. Gorden led an effort to ensure the legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers would not be forgotten. He spearheaded a campaign to raise millions of dollars for the Buffalo Soldier Monument that now stands proudly at West Point. Share To help him in that effort, Maj. Gen. Gorden called me a year after my retirement. 'Mark,' he said, 'I want you to join the committee.' I hesitated. 'Sir, why are you asking a retired white guy who never served in the 9th or 10th Cavalry to help?' His answer was simple and true to his gracious and professional nature: 'You know how important a legacy can be to the next generation.' That was all it took. I was in. That statue was dedicated a few years ago, and now it holds a position of honor near one of the entry gates to the Military Academy. Every year at commissioning, newly minted officers—especially black officers—gather with family and friends at the Buffalo Soldier monument to take their oaths and reflect on the legacy of those who came before them. They know the regimental history. The bravery of the units. The contributions to an Army during a time of segregation. But most won't know Fred Gorden's name or story. Next week, when I visit, I'll make sure at least some of them do. I expect they'll stand a little taller when they hear about who he was and what he did. Share The Bulwark MAJ. GEN. GORDEN'S LIFE REMINDS US that diversity is not a favor granted nor a checkbox ticked. It is part of the very fabric of our Army's strength. Leaders come in every color and from every background. The Army, after all, reflects the nation we serve. Through quiet perseverance, insistence on excellence, and steadfast service, leaders like Fred Gorden leave legacies that endure far beyond their time in uniform. In an era when some question the value of diversity, Maj. Gen. Gorden's story serves as a clear and necessary reminder: Diversity contributes to and strengthens our readiness. It enriches our profession. The Buffalo Soldiers trained the officers who led American forces to victory. Maj. Gen. Gorden broke barriers and built bridges, ensuring their legacy would inspire future generations. As I stand with the Class of 2025, I'll think of many things. My own time in the Army. My relationship with those who will lead the force in the future. But this year, I'll also think of Maj. Gen. Gorden. And I'll think of Mrs. Gorden, whose grace and strength shone through when I called to offer condolences. And I'll think of every soldier—past, present, and future—whose service makes us better, even when history takes too long to recognize their contributions. Fred Gorden's life was a testament to leadership forged in quiet dignity, shaped by fierce dedication, and lived in faithful service to the nation and its people. His legacy is represented by the Buffalo Soldier now cast in bronze at West Point, but more importantly, it lives on in the cadets who will pass by that monument, take their oath, and carry forward the ideals he exemplified. Rest well, Fred. You made us all better. Because of you, we all stand taller. Share
Black America Web
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Black America Web
Tougaloo College Reports Threats After Rep. Jasmine Crockett Gives Commencement Speech Comparing Trump To Jim Crow
Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE Source: Tommaso Boddi / Getty Administrators at Tougaloo College, in Jackson, Mississippi, have contacted law enforcement over threats the school allegedly received, all because Rep. Jasmine Crockett gave a commencement speech there and told the truth about President Donald Trump and his administration's disastrous (and probably intentional) impact on civil rights and Black people. According to the Mississippi Clarion Ledger, Crockett's speech last Sunday drew parallels between the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s and the social and political climate under the current federal administration, which has made more than a habit out of defunding or threatening to defund any institution that promotes non-whitewashed Black history or any other 'improper ideology' that makes Trump's orangey-white fragility stand up on its end. From the Ledger: After acknowledging Anne Moody and Memphis Norman, Tougaloo students who played pivotal roles in the 1963 Woolworth's sit-in in Jackson, Crockett mentioned President Donald Trump specifically. 'Sadly enough, in the year of our Lord 2025, sitting in these very classrooms is just as much of a protest as Anne and Memphis pulling up to Woolworths in 1963,' Crockett said. 'It's the paradox and parallels for me. … As I stand here in this safe space, still only one of the few places that an institution can invite me to speak.' Crockett paused as she looked to the audience for a response. 'Okay, so that went over some of y'all's heads, but my 50-year grads understood what I was putting down,' Crockett continued, pointing to the Class of 1975 members who were honored Sunday for their 50th anniversary of graduating. 'To think about the fact that people have to be fearful of having a sitting member of Congress to come and address their graduates, tells us that we still got a lot of work to do,' Crockett said. 'The president of the United States having a temper tantrum that strips funding because I'm Black and I'm proud should not be something that we are dealing with in 2025.' Crockett compared her speech on the Tougaloo campus to the 1960s, when the campus served as a safe space for civil rights leaders such as Medgar Evers, Fannie Lou Hamer and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 'The work done by so many like Bennie (Thompson), Medgar (Evers) and Fannie Lou Hamer are under attack,' Crockett said. 'Instead of calling us the 'N word,' they use racist epithets and suggest that we're ghetto, or unqualified or diversity hires, even though we're all, more oftentimes than not, more educated and qualified than they are. I have news for you. These attacks are not new because Jim Crow never died. He just lied (sic) in wait.' Again, all Crockett did was tell the truth about a president who, on day one, signed executive orders that effectively rolled back civil rights era legislation. She did not lie when she spoke about the oppressive nature of an administration that has propagandized DEI in order to justify its all-out attack on diversity initiatives across the country, especially those that seek to address racial disparities. Crockett didn't draw false parallels between Jim Crow and an administration that has literally ended desegregation policies while manipulating civil rights legislation that ended Jim Crow by perverting the spirit of those laws to address fictional anti-white discrimination. She told not one lie about the 'racist epithets' that the MAGA world has normalized, reflexively calling Black professionals 'DEI hires' and calling Crockett herself 'ghetto' just because she's so unapologetically Black. Trump's administration cares so little about Black Americans that it ended a wastewater settlement for a mostly Black Alabama town — where residents had complained about sewage-related issues for years — just because environmental racism (or as Trump officials called it, DEI) had been brought up when the settlement was being reached. Honestly, Crockett went light on this white nationalist-friendly White House. Crockett didn't lie, but MAGA loyalists apparently got mad enough at the truth to threaten Tougaloo College. More from the Ledger: Tougaloo President Donzell Lee sent a letter to the Tougaloo community on Monday, May 5 addressing 'concerning calls' regarding Crockett's speech. 'We are not taking these occurrences lightly,' the letter reads. 'Appropriate actions have been taken. Contact has been made with law enforcement authorities to ensure that safety protocols are in place, if needed.' Although the letter does not specify these threats, the college president encouraged anyone who receives a call to report to Vice President Donavon Coley. Crockett addressed the alleged threats on X Wednesday. 'No low is too low for MAGA … now explain to me why an institution would be receiving threats because of the commencement speech that I GAVE,' she wrote. 'This type of behavior is why I'm constantly having to be protected and I understand that truth telling in this country; sadly, is a dangerous business, but college students don't deserve this. As a side note: you consistently prove me right and just as this was the only campus that MLK could speak at in Mississippi in the 1960s … it's 2025, and this country is still stuck on hate … I'm proud to say Tougaloo is tough and so am I.' SEE ALSO: Rep. Jasmine Crockett Wants To Take On Trump In An IQ Test Op-Ed: Jasmine Crockett Can't Have It Both Ways SEE ALSO Tougaloo College Reports Threats After Rep. Jasmine Crockett Gives Commencement Speech Comparing Trump To Jim Crow was originally published on
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Tougaloo receives threats after U.S. Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett gives commencement speech
Tougaloo College has contacted law enforcement after receiving threats regarding U.S. Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett's recent commencement speech. Rep. Crockett, D-Dallas, spoke at Tougaloo College's 2025 commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 4. Her speech centered on the similarities between today's political climate and that of the Civil Rights Movement. After growing up in St. Louis, Crockett earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Rhodes College in Memphis in 2003 and a law degree from the University of Houston in 2009. She became the U.S. Representative for Texas' 30th Congressional District in Jan. 2023. Crockett was the only Black freshman and youngest Black lawmaker in Texas during the 87th Legislative Session. What did Jasmine Crockett say? "I oftentimes have to let my staff start a speech, and then I either put some stank on it, or I go completely off the dome," Crockett joked before beginning her speech Sunday morning. After acknowledging Anne Moody and Memphis Norman, Tougaloo students who played pivotal roles in the 1963 Woolworth's sit-in in Jackson, Crockett mentioned President Donald Trump specifically. "Sadly enough, in the year of our Lord 2025, sitting in these very classrooms is just as much of a protest as Anne and Memphis pulling up to Woolworths in 1963," Crockett said. "It's the paradox and parallels for me. … As I stand here in this safe space, still only one of the few places that an institution can invite me to speak." Crockett paused as she looked to the audience for a response. "Okay, so that went over some of y'all's heads, but my 50-year grads understood what I was putting down," Crockett continued, pointing to the Class of 1975 members who were honored Sunday for their 50th anniversary of graduating. "To think about the fact that people have to be fearful of having a sitting member of Congress to come and address their graduates, tells us that we still got a lot of work to do," Crockett said. "The president of the United States having a temper tantrum that strips funding because I'm Black and I'm proud should not be something that we are dealing with in 2025." More in state news: How will Trump funding cuts to NPR, PBS affect Mississippi Public Broadcasting? Crockett compared her speech on the Tougaloo campus to the 1960s, when the campus served as a safe space for civil rights leaders such as Medgar Evers, Fannie Lou Hamer and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. "The work done by so many like Bennie (Thompson), Medgar (Evers) and Fannie Lou Hamer are under attack," Crockett said. "Instead of calling us the 'N word,' they use racist epithets and suggest that we're ghetto, or unqualified or diversity hires, even though we're all, more oftentimes than not, more educated and qualified than they are. I have news for you. These attacks are not new, because Jim Crow never died. He just lied (sic) in wait." U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett spoke at Tougaloo graduation on Sunday, prompting threats to the HBCU in Jackson. Concluding her speech, Crockett looked up from her written words and looked directly into the audience. "If you are waiting for somebody to come and save you, they are not coming to save you," Crockett said. "You are the person that you have been waiting on. There are people that are going to tell you that there is not a table in which there is a seat for you, but I am here to remind you of Montgomery and those folding chairs. Let me tell you that we know how to use a chair, whether we pulling it up or we are doing something else with it." Crockett's speech was met with applause as she left the podium. Tougaloo College responds Tougaloo President Donzell Lee sent a letter to the Tougaloo community on Monday, May 5 addressing "concerning calls" regarding Crockett's speech. "We are not taking these occurrences lightly," the letter reads. "Appropriate actions have been taken. Contact has been made with law enforcement authorities to ensure that safety protocols are in place, if needed." Although the letter does not specify these threats, the college president encouraged anyone who receives a call to report to Vice President Donavon Coley. Follow this Mississippi singer: 'American Idol': Mississippi native Jamal Roberts makes Top 7. See his captivating performance Just after 12 a.m. on Wednesday, May 7, Crockett took to X, formally Twitter, to push back against the threats, attributing the concerning calls to President Trump's MAGA base. "No low is too low for MAGA … now explain to me why an institution would be receiving threats because of the commencement speech that I GAVE," Crockett wrote on X. "This type of behavior is why I'm constantly having to be protected and I understand that truth telling in this country; sadly, is a dangerous business, but college students don't deserve this. As a side note: you consistently prove me right and just as this was the only campus that MLK could speak at in Mississippi in the 1960s … it's 2025, and this country is still stuck on hate … I'm proud to say Tougaloo is tough and so am I." Crockett has faced scrutiny in recent months from Trump's supporters and from the president himself. During NBC's "Meet the Press" interview, which aired on the same day Crockett gave her Tougaloo speech, Trump called the Texas congresswoman "a low IQ person." Crockett responded to Trump's comments on X, formerly Twitter, that afternoon, saying she was about to depart from the Jackson airport when she learned of Trump's "diabolical" comments. U.S. Congressman Bennie Thompson, a Mississippi representative and Tougaloo alumnus, released a statement on Tuesday, May 6, addressing the threats. Thompson invited Crockett to speak at this year's commencement and sat behind her during the speech. "It is unfortunate that a day of celebration at Tougaloo College was met with attempts by extremists to overshadow the moment and intimidate those in attendance," Thompson said. "Their threats, aimed at undermining Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett's powerful commencement address, failed. The Tougaloo community remains proud, strong and unmoved." Thompson did not identify any of the "extremists," or their threats, but defended Crockett and her message. "Tougaloo College is known around the world and has long been an agent for change during some of our nation's most difficult times," Thompson said. "Congresswoman Crockett is one of the most sought-after voices in the U.S. House of Representatives, and we were honored to have her speak. I stand in solidarity with the Tougaloo community and commend Congresswoman Crockett for her inspiring message to the graduates. Under no circumstances will we be intimidated by fear." Got a news tip? Contact Mary Boyte at mboyte@ This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Tougaloo College gets threats after Rep. Jasmine Crockett's speech
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Rose-Hulman exceeds giving day goal, raises over $679,000
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology said its sixth annual Rose Giving Day surpassed expectations, raising $679,322 from 533 donors, exceeding the ambitious goal of $675,000 and breaking last year's record $650,233 raised. The event this year was held on March 14 — Pi Day. The contributions will provide support for student scholarships, academic programs, athletics, mental health services, campus initiatives, and other key areas. 'Once again, the incredible generosity of our Rose-Hulman community has made an enormous impact,' said President Robert A. Coons. A number of donors helped amplify the impact of Rose Giving Day through matching challenges for the college's "Greatest Needs." Among those were: • Dave and Susan Hoecker matched the first $10,000 given to Rose-Hulman's Greatest Needs. • Cindy and Kurt Kalkomey issued a $10,000 match for contributions to Greatest Needs. • Joe and Judy Moser pledged $20,000 if donors collectively gave $20,000 to any academic department, with their match benefiting the Math Department. Investing in student scholarships and programs were: • Frank and Becky Levinson provided a $20,000 match for all donations to class scholarships. • Marie Stettler Kleine and Kaleb Kleine pledged $10,000 if an equal amount was raised for the Engineering Design Program. • Janet and David Cooper matched $10,000 in donations to support Rose-Hulman's summer programs. Strengthening mental health, ROTC, and athletics were: • Trustee Kelly Noel matched $10,000 in contributions to mental health services. • Randy Potts pledged $5,000 in support of ROTC. • Roger Vandersnick led the way in supporting athletics with a generous $35,000 match. • Greg and Lindsay Gotwald matched $25,000 in tribute donations, with their contribution directed to the Annie Gotwald Memorial. Additional generous contributions came from Dan and Elise Price, who made a $10,000 donation in honor of the Class of 1975's 50th reunion. Also, Craig Pohlman made a $5,000 donation in honor of the Class of 2000's 25th reunion, further strengthening the impact of Rose Giving Day. President Coons and his cabinet also joined in, offering matching gifts of $10,000 and $5,000, respectively, to encourage widespread participation.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Rose-Hulman Giving Day raises a record $675K
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Rose-Hulman's sixth annual Rose Giving Day was a record success as the university raised over $675,000 from 533 donors. This year, Rose Givin Day was held on March 14, and with help from alumni, faculty, students and friends of the institution they raised $679,322, exceeding their goal of $675,000 and surpassing last year's record of $650,233. Rose-Hulman said these contributions will provide vital support for student scholarships, academic programs, athletics, mental health services, campus initiatives and more that enhance the Rose-Hulman experience. Rose-Hulman hosts annual 'Giving Day' 'Once again, the incredible generosity of our Rose-Hulman community has made an enormous impact,' said President Robert A. Coons. 'Every gift strengthens the future of our institution and ensures we continue to provide world-class opportunities for our students.' Some donors helped amplify the impact of some donations by matching them. Here are some of the most notable ones: Supporting Student Success and Greatest Needs Dave (ME '69) and Susan Hoecker matched the first $10,000 given to Rose-Hulman's Greatest Needs. Cindy and Kurt Kalkomey issued a $10,000 match for contributions to Greatest Needs. Joe (EE '56) and Judy Moser pledged $20,000 if donors collectively gave $20,000 to any academic department, with their match benefiting the Math Department. Investing in Student Scholarships and Programs Frank (ME '03) and Becky (CHE '05) Levinson provided a $20,000 match for all donations to class scholarships. Marie Stettler Kleine (ME, IS '14) and Kaleb Kleine (EE '14) pledged $10,000 if an equal amount was raised for the Engineering Design Program. Janet and David Cooper matched $10,000 in donations to support Rose-Hulman's summer programs. Strengthening Mental Health, ROTC, and Athletics Trustee Kelly Noel (EE '02) matched $10,000 in contributions to mental health services. Randy Potts (CHE '71) pledged $5,000 in support of ROTC. Roger Vandersnick (ME '85) led the way in supporting athletics with a generous $35,000 match. Greg (CHE '01) and Lindsay Gotwald matched $25,000 in tribute donations, with their contribution directed to the Annie Gotwald Memorial. Additional Generous Contributions Dan (CE '75) and Elise Price made a $10,000 donation in honor of the Class of 1975's 50th reunion and Craig Pohlman (CS '00) made a $5,000 donation in honor of the Class of 2000's 25th reunion, further strengthening the impact of Rose Giving Day. President and Cabinet Support President Coons and his Cabinet also joined in, offering matching gifts of $10,000 and $5,000, respectively, to encourage widespread participation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
